Roy Keane warns Newcastle of major drawback Chelsea signing would bring despite huge talent

Roy Keane labelled a Chelsea forward Newcastle continue to draw links with “obviously talented”, though warned he’d bring one critical drawback if signed.

By all accounts, Newcastle are ahead of schedule. Their Saudi-led takeover was always likely to result in the Magpies making the ‘big six’ a ‘big seven’, though few predicted it would come quite so soon.

Newcastle currently sit third in the table and in the absence of European football cluttering up their midweeks, have an advantage over their rivals in the race for top four.

Even if Eddie Howe’s side do ultimately fall short, Newcastle will continue to spend and this season is merely a sample of what’s to come in the rest of the 2020s and beyond.

By and large, Newcastle have spent somewhat cautiously so far. They have broken their transfer record for Alexander Isak, though the bulk of their signings have been under the £50m mark.

Further additions in the forward line are expected in future windows, and one name who continues to be linked with a move to St. James’ Park is Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic.

Fabrizio Romano previously reported Newcastle were “obsessed” with signing the American last summer. However, the loan with an option to buy they proposed was not to Chelsea’s liking.

Pulisic remained at Stamford Bridge, though has struggled to generate regular minutes under both Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter.

That led to reports in Spain claiming Pulisic was angling for a way out and had said ‘yes’ to joining Newcastle.

Newcastle have reportedly set aside £35m for the move. That’s some way below the £58m Chelsea paid Borussia Dortmund in 2019, though is perhaps representative of how Pulisic’s career has stalled.

Whether Newcastle do act on their interest in January and whether Chelsea subsequently accept or reject an offer remains to be seen.

However, according to pundit Roy Keane, Newcastle would be landing a hugely talented player with a high potential if they succeed.

Pulisic has major drawback despite huge talent and potential – Roy Keane

Speaking during ITV’s broadcast of USA v Wales in Qatar, Keane suggested Pulisic can use the World Cup to showcase his talents and potentially land a transfer to a club where he’ll play more regularly.

However, Keane was keen to stress the injury issues have hampered Pulisic in his career thus far. If Newcastle were to sign the 24-year-old, trips to the treatment room are unlikely to go away.

“He’s obviously got his injury problems,” said Keane. “He’s obviously a talented player, he’s got a good record at international level.

“So it will be interesting to see how he does in the tournament because he’s got that potential but we need to see more of it.

“He needs more luck with the injuries but he’s obviously a talented boy.”

Chelsea continue to be heavily linked with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. They’re also on course to land RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku next year – something that may embolden them to sever ties with Pulisic.

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